HS Code for Cathine

Cathine is classified under HS code 2939.43. This classification is found in Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals, specifically within the section for vegetable alkaloids. Heading 2939 covers vegetable alkaloids, natural or reproduced by synthesis, and their salts, ethers, esters, and other derivatives. Cathine, also known as d-norpseudoephedrine (INN), is a psychoactive substance found in the Khat plant. Because it is a specifically named alkaloid in the Harmonized System nomenclature, it is assigned its own subheading under the group of ephedrines and their salts (2939.41 through 2939.49). The classification is strictly determined by the chemical identity of the substance. This level of specificity is maintained in the HS system to facilitate the monitoring and control of substances that are subject to international drug conventions, such as the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. GRI 1 applies here as the substance is named explicitly in the subheading text.

Products Included

• Cathine (INN) pure substance
• Cathine hydrochloride (salt)
• Cathine sulfate (salt)
• d-Norpseudoephedrine
• Synthetic cathine for laboratory use

Common Misclassification

Cathine is often confused with other alkaloids in the same group. For example, Ephedrine is 2939.41 and Pseudoephedrine is 2939.42. It is also sometimes confused with Norephedrine (2939.44). Accurate chemical identification is required to distinguish between these isomers. Furthermore, if the substance is contained within the Khat plant material itself (not extracted), it might be classified under 1211.90 as a plant part used in pharmacy, though many jurisdictions treat the plant and the alkaloid under the same restrictive codes.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Cathine?

The HS code for Cathine and its salts is 2939.43.

Is Cathine classified differently if it is synthetic?

No, HS code 2939.43 covers both natural vegetable alkaloids and those reproduced by synthesis, provided they have the same chemical structure.